Tenant resources
Know your rights. Protect yourself. Get help when you need it.
Scottish tenancy law differs significantly from the rest of the UK. All information below applies to Scotland only.
⚖️ Your rights as a tenant
Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)
Since December 2017 all new private tenancies in Scotland are Private Residential Tenancies. You have stronger protections than tenants in England and Wales — no fixed end dates, more secure tenure, and limits on rent increases.
Read more on mygov.scot →Your landlord must be registered
In Scotland all private landlords must be registered with their local council. Renting from an unregistered landlord is illegal.
Check the Scottish Landlord Register →Protection from unlawful eviction
Your landlord cannot evict you without following the correct legal process. They must serve you with a valid Notice to Leave and apply to the First-tier Tribunal if you do not leave.
Read about eviction rights →💰 Deposits
Your deposit must be protected
Your landlord must place your deposit in an approved scheme within 30 working days. The approved schemes are SafeDeposits Scotland, Letting Protection Service Scotland, and mydeposits Scotland.
Check if your deposit is protected →Disputing deposit deductions
If your landlord makes deductions you disagree with, raise a dispute through the deposit scheme. An independent adjudicator will review the evidence and decide.
Raise a dispute with SafeDeposits Scotland →Unprotected deposit — what to do
If your landlord failed to protect your deposit you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal. If successful the landlord must repay up to three times the deposit amount as a penalty.
Apply to the First-tier Tribunal →🔧 Repairs and maintenance
Landlord repair obligations
Your landlord must keep the property wind and watertight, the structure in good repair, and all installations for water, gas, electricity, heating and sanitation working. Properties must meet the Repairing Standard.
Read about repair obligations →Mould and damp
Mould and damp caused by structural issues is your landlord's responsibility. Document it with photos and dates, report in writing immediately, and apply to the First-tier Tribunal if ignored.
Shelter Scotland guidance →📈 Rent increases
How rent increases work
Your landlord can only increase your rent once in any 12 month period and must give at least 3 months written notice. You have the right to challenge increases above market rate.
Read about rent increases →🤝 Getting help
Shelter Scotland
Free housing advice for tenants in Scotland including repairs, eviction, deposits and harassment.
Visit Shelter Scotland →Citizens Advice Scotland
Free, independent advice on housing, benefits, debt and more.
Visit Citizens Advice Scotland →First-tier Tribunal for Scotland
Handles disputes between tenants and landlords — repairs, rent increases, eviction and deposits. Applications are free.
Visit the First-tier Tribunal →Living Rent
Scotland's tenants union — campaigns for better rights and supports tenants in disputes with landlords.
Visit Living Rent →📋 Move in checklist
Photograph everything on move in day
Photograph every room before unpacking — walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, fixtures. Note any existing damage in writing to your landlord on day one. This protects your deposit when you leave.
Check the inventory carefully
Check the inventory thoroughly and note any discrepancies in writing before signing. An inaccurate inventory can be used against you when you move out.
Take meter readings
Take meter readings for gas and electricity on your first day and send them to your energy supplier and landlord in writing.
Check deposit protection
Within 30 working days of moving in check that your deposit has been registered with an approved scheme. You should receive a certificate from the scheme.
This information is provided as general guidance only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current information with official sources.